MargaretGayleOwen, longtime resident of Charlottesville, passed away Thursday, March 9, 2017. Born in 1921 in Scottsboro, Alabama to parents, John and Sallie Ruth Gayle. Margaret was just shy of her 96th birthday before her passing.

Margaret studied Home Economics at the University of Alabama, where she met her future husband, Bow Owen. After they married, she taught school before becoming a full time homemaker, raising her five children, 16 year span from oldest to youngest. After her last child was grown, Margaret decided to pursue a lifelong interest in real estate. She obtained her real estate license and worked for several firms before settling at Clarion Real Estate for many years. She genuinely loved helping people buy houses, particularly first-time homeowners, and continued to follow the market as a hobby after she retired.

When her husband of over a half-century passed away in 2000, Margaret sold one final house and retired from the field. Always an avid pianist for the family, she began another 16 year career volunteering to entertain at area nursing homes, both as a piano soloist and with a number of singers, most notably her friend, Glenn Short. She particularly loved standards, popular music of the big band era, and the songs made familiar by Frank Sinatra.

In 2011, after a fall, Margaret moved into Morningside Assisted Living of Charlottesville, but soon continued her piano playing, often six times a week. Over the years, she added sing-alongs and church services to her regular schedule.

On March 9, 2017, Margaret passed away peacefully after a brief illness. We like to think of her rejoining her husband, Bow, dancing with him, or playing music while he whistles.

Margaret is survived by her five children and their families, Buz Owen, Bettie Owen, Jane Owen and her life partner, Mike Beasley, John Owen, Dick Owen and his wife, Kim; and grandchildren, Sarah Owen, Andrew Owen, Casey Owen, Alex Breeden, Reilly Owen; and great-grandchildren, Elijah Owen and Max Breeden. Finally, Margaret was herself an "adopted" grandmother, and is survived by that granddaughter, Cam Dingler.

A funeral service will be conducted 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at Teague FuneralHome. The family will receive friends at from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at the funeral home. The family will have a private graveside interment.

The Services are now visible in a new window.Click here if you do not see it or check your popup blocker.

The Guestbook Entries are now visible in a new window.Click here if you do not see it or check your popup blocker.

At Tributes.com we believe that Every Life has a Story that deserves to be told and preserved.

Tributes.com is the online source for current local and national obituary news and a supportive community where friends and family can come together during times of loss and grieving to honor the memories of their loved ones with lasting personal tributes.